Gorgeous Balkans with Adriatic Cruise

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Itinerary:

Day 1
:
DUBROVNIK

Morning sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. You will visit the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Departure for Tirana; we drive inland via Budva, crossing the Albanian border at Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3rd century B.C.).Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Day 2
:
DUBROVNIK,BUDVA / MONTENEGRO,SHKODRA / ALBANIA,TIRANA

Morning sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. You will visit the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Departure for Tirana; we drive inland via Budva, crossing the Albanian border at Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3rd century B.C.).Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Day 3
:
TIRANA – OHRID/MACEDONIA

Morning sightseeing tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, including Skender Bey Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey and a visit to the National Museum representin the flow of Albanian history and housing the finds from archeological sites across the country. Afternoon departure for Ohrid, driving via Elbasan and crossing the Macedonian border at Cafasan.Dinner and overnight in Ohrid.

Day 4
:
OHRID

Full day in the lakeside resort of Ohrid, classifi ed as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site. Through the activity of St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid, the first pan-Slavic University in Europe, the famous “Ohrid Literary School” was founded here.Morning sightseeing tour includes the church of St. Sofi a (11th century), the most eminent mediaeval monument in Macedonia with magnifi cent Byzantine fresco paintings and St. Clement Church with its icon of Annunciation.In the aft ernoon a short drive to visit St. Naum Monastery built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 A.D. and dedicated to the Slavic missionary and educator St.Naum of Ohrid.Return to hotel for overnight.Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 5
:
OHRID – SKOPJE

Morning departure for Skopje. Sightseeing tour of Skopje,including the Kale Fortress,the Church of the Holy Savior with its iconostas,one of the finest samples of traditional walnut woodcarving, Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge.We drive to the slopes of the Vodno Mountain where we visit the Monastery of St. Panteleimon with its 12th century iconostas and frescoes ranking among the highest achievements of Byzantine art of this period. Dinner and overnight in Skopje.

Day 6
:
SKOPJE – KOLAŠIN/MONTENEGRO

Morning departure for Kolašin, driving via Kosovo and along the impressive Morača River Canyon. Afternoon 14 days/13 nights escorted coach tours with guaranteed departures a304 NEW arrival at Kolašin, spreading on the left bank of the river Tara, situated at the altitude of 954m.The whole area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular skiing and air spa resort. Dinner and overnight in Kolašin.

Day 7
:
KOLAŠIN – CETINJE – KOTOR -DUBROVNIK

Morning departure for Cetinje where we visit King Nikola’s Museum, once the residence of the Montenegrin King Nikola I Petrović. Continuation to Budva and Kotor, classifi ed as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, where we visit its Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to St. Triphun, the city’s patron saint.We continue to Dubrovnik driving along the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Embarkation at Gruž port. Meet your fellow travelers and your Cruise Manager later at an on-board Welcome Reception.This evening, you can relax or take a walk through Dubrovnik’s vibrant streets.

Day 8
:
DUBROVNIK – KORČULA

We set sail for the island of Korčula around two o’clock, with swimming stop, if weather permits, in one of pristine bays, time to cool off , relax and lunch onboard. Continue towards Korčula, the most preserved medieval town whose street design is based on a fi sh bone pattern, to spend the night there.

Day 9
:
KORČULA – PUČIŠĆA

This morning, a walking tour of Korcula takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history. Later in the morning we set sails towards the island of Brač, village of the stone sculpture and music culture Pučišća, where you can visit amazing stonemason school(optional).Lunch on board. Enjoy a swim in one of Brač’s many lovely coves and bays, if weather permits.Overnight.

Day 10
:
PUČIŠĆA – OMIŠ – SPLIT

We depart for Omiš before breakfast,it’s fortresses are silent stone reminders of the power and might of the infamous pirates who once made their homes and fortunes here.You will have a possibility to book a short walking tour,followed by boarding a small boat and sail into Cetina River Canyon,a protected nature area, continuing to Radman Mills for a local specialty snack.After visiting Omiš set sail to Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax,if weather permits,with lunch on board.In the late afternoon we arrive at Split to spend the night.Arriving in Split,take a guided tour of the city, the seafront promenade,and Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace.The historical center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.Your evening is free in Split.

Day 11
:
SPLIT – HVAR

Stop in Bol,a small town on Island Brac,for a swim at the Golden Horn.Enjoy the 530 m long golden pebble beach said to be the best in Croatia. It is unique in that it changes shape and position depending on the winds.Return to your boat for lunch, then head to Hvar.Hvar is one of the most popular islands in the Adriatic and a meeting point for the international jet set.The “Croatian Madeira” is also one of the longest islands stretching along the shores of Croatia. A sightseeing tour of Hvar town shows you the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK) and many more historical sites. Your evening is free to explore Hvar on your own.Note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/Jelsa.In that case transfer by bus will be organized to and from Hvar.

Day 12
:
HVAR– MLJET

Departing from Hvar in the morning,our sail to Mljet Island includes a stop for swimming,if weather permits,and lunch on board. Croatian “Greenest Island” will hypnotize you with its beautiful,untouched nature and its cultural heritage.We arrive in the heart of Mljet National Park which encompasses five types of forests, many species of birds and two deep lakes.If you want to visit Mljet National Park, walk to the entrance where you can purchase the ticket to walk around the Great Lake and the Small Lake and join the boat ride to St. Mary Island. Have a Captain’s Dinner onboard.We will spend the night in Mljet.

Day 13
:
MLJET – DUBROVNIK

In the morning we continue our adventure by sailing back to Dubrovnik. Lunch on board with stop for swimming.Early in the aft ernoon we arrive in Dubrovnik.

Day 14
:
depart DUBROVNIK

After breakfast it’s time to disembark. You will be transferred to Dubrovnik airport or your Dubrovnik hotel.

Local guides for sightseeing tours of Dubrovnik, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Kotor, Split, Hvar, Korčula, guiding on Mljet and in Omiš free of charge

Entrance fees to:Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik; National Museum in Tirana, St. Sofi a, St. Clement and St. Naum in Ohrid; Church of Holy Savior and Monastery of St. Panteleimon in Skopje; Residence of King Nikola IPetrović in Cetinje; St. Triphun Cathedral in Kotor

Buff et breakfast and 6 lunches with four courses, starting with the four courses Welcome Dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 8,Water provided on tables during lunch

Complimentary fresh fruits available daily

Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager

Free Wi-Fi on board

Hotels:

Dubrovnik - Ivka 3*

Tirana - Sky Tower 4*

Ohrid - Metropol 4*

Skopje - Karpoš 4*

Kolašin - Bianca 4*

Optional Services:

Private arrival and private departure transfers, rate to be advised upon request,Tourist tax + port tax – $30 per person to be paid onboard in cash ,Supplement for Omiš & Cetina River excursion is $24 per pax,Entrance to the Mljet National park, cca $18 per person to be paid at entrance if clients want to enter, guiding free of charge,Drinks onboard, extra meals.

Local guides for sightseeing tours of Dubrovnik, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Kotor, Split, Hvar, Korčula, guiding on Mljet and in Omiš free of charge

Entrance fees to:Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik; National Museum in Tirana, St. Sofi a, St. Clement and St. Naum in Ohrid; Church of Holy Savior and Monastery of St. Panteleimon in Skopje; Residence of King Nikola IPetrović in Cetinje; St. Triphun Cathedral in Kotor

Buff et breakfast and 6 lunches with four courses, starting with the four courses Welcome Dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 8,Water provided on tables during lunch

Complimentary fresh fruits available daily

Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager

Free Wi-Fi on board

Optional Services:

Private arrival and private departure transfers, rate to be advised upon request,Tourist tax + port tax – $30 per person to be paid onboard in cash ,Supplement for Omiš & Cetina River excursion is $24 per pax,Entrance to the Mljet National park, cca $18 per person to be paid at entrance if clients want to enter, guiding free of charge,Drinks onboard, extra meals.

Itinerary:

Day 1
:
DUBROVNIK

Morning sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. You will visit the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Departure for Tirana; we drive inland via Budva, crossing the Albanian border at Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3rd century B.C.).Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Day 2
:
DUBROVNIK,BUDVA / MONTENEGRO,SHKODRA / ALBANIA,TIRANA

Morning sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. You will visit the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Departure for Tirana; we drive inland via Budva, crossing the Albanian border at Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3rd century B.C.).Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Day 3
:
TIRANA – OHRID/MACEDONIA

Morning sightseeing tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, including Skender Bey Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey and a visit to the National Museum representin the flow of Albanian history and housing the finds from archeological sites across the country. Afternoon departure for Ohrid, driving via Elbasan and crossing the Macedonian border at Cafasan.Dinner and overnight in Ohrid.

Day 4
:
OHRID

Full day in the lakeside resort of Ohrid, classifi ed as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site. Through the activity of St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid, the first pan-Slavic University in Europe, the famous “Ohrid Literary School” was founded here.Morning sightseeing tour includes the church of St. Sofi a (11th century), the most eminent mediaeval monument in Macedonia with magnifi cent Byzantine fresco paintings and St. Clement Church with its icon of Annunciation.In the aft ernoon a short drive to visit St. Naum Monastery built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 A.D. and dedicated to the Slavic missionary and educator St.Naum of Ohrid.Return to hotel for overnight.Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 5
:
OHRID – SKOPJE

Morning departure for Skopje. Sightseeing tour of Skopje,including the Kale Fortress,the Church of the Holy Savior with its iconostas,one of the finest samples of traditional walnut woodcarving, Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge.We drive to the slopes of the Vodno Mountain where we visit the Monastery of St. Panteleimon with its 12th century iconostas and frescoes ranking among the highest achievements of Byzantine art of this period. Dinner and overnight in Skopje.

Day 6
:
SKOPJE – KOLAŠIN/MONTENEGRO

Morning departure for Kolašin, driving via Kosovo and along the impressive Morača River Canyon. Afternoon 14 days/13 nights escorted coach tours with guaranteed departures a304 NEW arrival at Kolašin, spreading on the left bank of the river Tara, situated at the altitude of 954m.The whole area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular skiing and air spa resort. Dinner and overnight in Kolašin.

Day 7
:
KOLAŠIN – CETINJE – KOTOR -DUBROVNIK

Morning departure for Cetinje where we visit King Nikola’s Museum, once the residence of the Montenegrin King Nikola I Petrović. Continuation to Budva and Kotor, classifi ed as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, where we visit its Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to St. Triphun, the city’s patron saint.We continue to Dubrovnik driving along the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Embarkation at Gruž port. Meet your fellow travelers and your Cruise Manager later at an on-board Welcome Reception.This evening, you can relax or take a walk through Dubrovnik’s vibrant streets.

Day 8
:
DUBROVNIK – KORČULA

We set sail for the island of Korčula around two o’clock, with swimming stop, if weather permits, in one of pristine bays, time to cool off , relax and lunch onboard. Continue towards Korčula, the most preserved medieval town whose street design is based on a fi sh bone pattern, to spend the night there.

Day 9
:
KORČULA – PUČIŠĆA

This morning, a walking tour of Korcula takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history. Later in the morning we set sails towards the island of Brač, village of the stone sculpture and music culture Pučišća, where you can visit amazing stonemason school(optional).Lunch on board. Enjoy a swim in one of Brač’s many lovely coves and bays, if weather permits.Overnight.

Day 10
:
PUČIŠĆA – OMIŠ – SPLIT

We depart for Omiš before breakfast,it’s fortresses are silent stone reminders of the power and might of the infamous pirates who once made their homes and fortunes here.You will have a possibility to book a short walking tour,followed by boarding a small boat and sail into Cetina River Canyon,a protected nature area, continuing to Radman Mills for a local specialty snack.After visiting Omiš set sail to Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax,if weather permits,with lunch on board.In the late afternoon we arrive at Split to spend the night.Arriving in Split,take a guided tour of the city, the seafront promenade,and Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace.The historical center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.Your evening is free in Split.

Day 11
:
SPLIT – HVAR

Stop in Bol,a small town on Island Brac,for a swim at the Golden Horn.Enjoy the 530 m long golden pebble beach said to be the best in Croatia. It is unique in that it changes shape and position depending on the winds.Return to your boat for lunch, then head to Hvar.Hvar is one of the most popular islands in the Adriatic and a meeting point for the international jet set.The “Croatian Madeira” is also one of the longest islands stretching along the shores of Croatia. A sightseeing tour of Hvar town shows you the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK) and many more historical sites. Your evening is free to explore Hvar on your own.Note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/Jelsa.In that case transfer by bus will be organized to and from Hvar.

Day 12
:
HVAR– MLJET

Departing from Hvar in the morning,our sail to Mljet Island includes a stop for swimming,if weather permits,and lunch on board. Croatian “Greenest Island” will hypnotize you with its beautiful,untouched nature and its cultural heritage.We arrive in the heart of Mljet National Park which encompasses five types of forests, many species of birds and two deep lakes.If you want to visit Mljet National Park, walk to the entrance where you can purchase the ticket to walk around the Great Lake and the Small Lake and join the boat ride to St. Mary Island. Have a Captain’s Dinner onboard.We will spend the night in Mljet.

Day 13
:
MLJET – DUBROVNIK

In the morning we continue our adventure by sailing back to Dubrovnik. Lunch on board with stop for swimming.Early in the aft ernoon we arrive in Dubrovnik.

Day 14
:
depart DUBROVNIK

After breakfast it’s time to disembark. You will be transferred to Dubrovnik airport or your Dubrovnik hotel.